In a convenient spot camp was made. The darkness became most intense in the vicinity.
Camp-fires were made and guards posted.
The fires in the furnace of the Steam Man were banked, and the occupants descended and mixed with the Vigilants.
The men gathered around the fires, and told stories and cracked jokes.
Walter Barrows, the young Vigilant who was so deeply in love with Bessie Rodman, had waited upon her at the wagon step, and together they took a lover-like walk down the bank of the creek.
Nobody saw them go, and it is doubtful if any one would have sought to restrain them.
But they were committing unwittingly an act of great risk and folly.
For unknown to any in the camp a coterie of dusky savages lurked in the tall prairie grass about.
Barney and Pomp were entertaining the camp with some of their Munchhausen stories.
The plainsmen roared with laughter until their sides ached.